Ultrasound measurement of thyroid volume in euthyroid children under 3 years of age

Abstract

Objective: To establish ultrasound reference values for thyroid volumes in children up to 3 years of age, given that ultrasound of the thyroid is an essential examination in the diagnosis of childhood thyroid disease. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective study conducted in an iodine-sufficient city in southeastern Brazil. A total of 100 healthy children underwent clinical evaluation, anthropometric examination, and cervical ultrasound in accordance with conventional protocols. We evaluated characteristics such as echotexture, thyroid lobe volume, and total thyroid volume. The children were divided into five groups, by age: < 2 months; 2-12 months; 12-18 months; 18-24 months; and 24-36 months. Results: The mean thyroid volume was lower in the < 2 month age group than in the other groups (0.4 mL vs. 0.18-0.70 mL; p < 0.001). For the subjects between 2 and 36 months of age, the mean volume was 1.0 mL (range, 0.30-2.0 mL). No other significant differences were observed between groups, thyroid lobes, or gender. However, body mass index correlated significantly with total thyroid volume (r = 0.347; p = 0.001). Conclusion: The mean thyroid dimensions were smallest in the < 2 month age group (0.35 ± 0.16 mL). For the subjects between 2 and 36 months of age, a reference value of 0.85 ± 0.42 mL can be used. Our data could guide the diagnostic investigation of thyroid disease, especially congenital hypothyroidism, in childhood.

Ultrasound combined with Ki-67 to construct the prognostic model for radioactive iodine therapy outcomes in Graves’ disease patients

“…The volume and hardness of the thyroid gland are pivotal reference indices for dose calculation ( 9 ). Three-dimensional ultrasound imaging technology offers a more precise measurement of thyroid volume compared to conventional ultrasound, with high consistency and repeatability ( 19 ). In contrast to clinical palpation, ultrasound elastography is recognized for quantitatively measuring and reflecting differences in thyroid hardness in GD patients ( 20 ).…”

Determination of thyroid volume by ultrasound: a valuable tool for the investigation of congenital hypothyroidism

“…In view of the above, the article authored by Souza et al ( 8 ) , which was published in the previous issue of Radiologia Brasileira , is extremely relevant for the field of pediatric ultrasound in Brazil. The authors determined the mean thyroid volume for each age group, between 5 days and 3 years of age, among children in southeastern Brazil, which is currently considered an iodine-sufficient region, as is the case for most regions of Brazil.…”

“…The authors determined the mean thyroid volume for each age group, between 5 days and 3 years of age, among children in southeastern Brazil, which is currently considered an iodine-sufficient region, as is the case for most regions of Brazil. Souza et al ( 8 ) reported mean thyroid volumes and established reference values, regardless of sex and height, for two age groups: below 2 months; and between 2 months and 3 years. Although it was a preliminary study, with a small sample, the enormous contribution of the work is that is provides reference values for thyroid volume in euthyroid children, in an age range not previously addressed, within the context of the reality of Brazil.…”